Homecoming Week at the University of Miami is one of the longest standing traditions and celebrations the university has. What truly makes Homecoming special is the passion from members of the Homecoming Executive Committee (HEC)—the group of undergraduate students that work tirelessly to make it all happen. Students who join are passionate about their alma mater and want to celebrate it with other likeminded people. This year, HEC was made up of 30 members, half of which are seniors, who joined homecoming because of their spirit and pride for the U.
The chair of the committee, Sara Ebrahimi, is especially excited about homecoming because she has been coming to University of Miami events since she was five years old. “My perception of UM has always been linked to the feelings of excitement and belonging that homecoming sparks. Homecoming is the time of year that makes Canes feel like they are a part of the campus community,” says Ebrahimi. Sara has been on HEC for three consecutive years and has been able to see first-hand the magic homecoming sparks. Her twin sister, Hanna Ebrahimi, took that magic she and Sara have been witnessing for over 15 years and made it into a reality. “I pitched this theme earlier this year, and my inspiration was the endless possibilities I've encountered as a student—opportunities I could have never dreamed of before. Throughout my journey at UM, I've experienced transformative moments that have shaped who I am today. I've grown into a more confident, resilient, and ambitious version of myself. For this reason, I don’t think "Dare to Dream" is just a theme; it is a call to action for all of us. It encourages us to look beyond our current realities and envision a future filled with possibilities,” says Hanna, a member of the Hurricane Howl subcommittee. Sara and Hanna are both local to Miami and chose UM because of their family connection and the special light the University brought to their childhood; they are also honored to be able to pass that on to the next generation of Miami Hurricanes!
Homecoming chair, Sara Ebrahimi, speaking at Hurricane Howl. Photo: Catherine Mairena/University of Miami.
Along with the Ebrahimi’s, Homecoming has left a mark on the dozen other seniors that made them want to join the committee. “I joined HEC because Homecoming my first year was when I truly felt like I was part of something big,” says Erika Del Valle, a senior part of the Organized Cheer Competition Committee. Homecoming is the biggest event of the semester with 7 main events throughout the week and some of the largest turnouts that student organizations see. The week ends with Hurricane Howl, a block party for all of the Canes community to enjoy. Katie Schumann, a senior on the Hurricane Howl committee put a lot of work into this year's celebrations so people can truly see what homecoming means to her. “To me, UM homecoming means a celebration of my entire college journey. Every homecoming, I have had the opportunity to reflect on all of the experiences at the U—highs, lows, and everything in between, as well as the amazing community of people I share these experiences with,” states Schumann.
Erika Del Valle speaking at the Organized Cheer event. Photo: Catherine Mairena/University of Miami.
After reflecting on the week, the theme “Dare to Dream” is what most members of the committee think of. The theme is more than just a phrase to the HEC members who spent these last four years truly finding themselves at the U. “This year’s theme reminds me why we are all here in the first place. To never underestimate ourselves and to always aspire to follow our hearts. To me, it symbolizes that anything is possible, and whether it be on campus impacts or life goals, if we dream it, we can do it,” says Nik Howell, a member of the sponsorship and spirit tree committee, also known as ‘SponsorTree’.
Sabrina Cuba, a senior on the participation and outreach committee, informally known as ‘Parteach’, talks about how the theme sparks ambition. “The theme “Dare to Dream” is a reminder that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves. We must be willing to take risks and embrace the challenges, always remembering that the dreams we dare to pursue are the ones that can lead us to extraordinary accomplishments,” says Cuba. “Dare to Dream” is personal and perspective but also unifying, reminding students that your dreams can be a reality if you put your mind to it.
HEC members hanging out in the front row of the student section at the football game. Photo: Gaby Torna/University of Miami.
After a week of excitement and joy that spread across UM campus, homecoming ended at Hard Rock Stadium where our Miami Hurricanes took on the Florida State Seminoles in a sold-out rivalry football game. HEC was recognized during the first quarter of the game for their dedication and spirit throughout Homecoming. The best ending to a spirit-filled week was cheering our Miami Hurricanes on to 36-14 victory.
